Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, sugar (optional), and salt. Knead with your hands until a soft dough forms.
Add the chocolate chips, then continue kneading just until evenly incorporated.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. If the dough is sticky, lightly dust it with flour as needed.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and maple syrup (or sugar). Brush the top of the dough with the egg wash.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Carefully separate the wedges, leaving a little space between each one.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before serving.
If you prefer sweeter scones, you can drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze or enjoy them with a little butter, honey, or your favorite jam.